A few weeks ago, local super-fan Jean Savage was gifted with a surprise performance from non-other than Glass Tiger.

The band was passing through ahead of their show at the Eagle River Casino on Aug. 9 when they were approached by long-time fan and Pleasant View Lodge employee Lisa Swallow. Swallow and friends had been attending Glass Tiger shows for years and had built a relationship with the band, touching base every time they come for performances.

“It all aligned, and we just happened to be in the neighbourhood,” said Glass Tiger frontman Alan Frew.

One day while working, Swallow noticed Jean Savage, 95-years young, playing Glass Tiger from her room. They bonded through their mutual love for the band and Swallow arranged to have a signed copy of frontman Alan Frew’s book sent her way.

“Alan wrote a book some years back. I had him bring one to a show and I took it to Jean the next day. He loved hearing how he had a fan in her 90s,” said Swallow.

“We had a whole chat about the band, their songs, and my adventures with them. She told me she wished she could meet them. When I heard they were going to be in Whitecourt, I had to try and arrange a visit,” she added.

Savage was at bingo when Glass Tiger arrived in the parking lot. A co-worker told her there was a surprise up front. Her reply, “It better be better than bingo.”

“She recognized them on sight. Everyone working that day, including myself was in total awe. The room became magical, that’s what music can do,” said Swallow.

Frew was quick to show gratitude for the opportunity to give such a meaningful visit to a dear fan.

“When I was told that she has loved Glass Tiger for the last 30 years and you see the look on her face when you’re singing to her, who can’t be touched by that? It was all very moving for us,” he said.

“When you understand the world we live in, and you read the comments that people are leaving, that’s when you understand the people are sick and tired of the anger and the violence. We see and feel it every day. This is a feel-good story,” he added.

Swallow asked Savage a few days after the visit if she was still on cloud nine, she replied, “You bet I am darling, I’m going to be riding this one for quite a while.”